Explosive device prompts evacuations in

Update: Explosive device that caused closure rendered safe

Mar 20, 2019 | 2:12 PM

RCMP news release issued at 2 pm

On March 19th, 2019 just before 5:00 pm, a front line officer was approached by a concerned citizen that observed what they believed to be some sort of explosive device in the area of the 3100 block of Smith Drive, Armstrong BC. Officers attended to the area and found a small device which had the appearance of a hand grenade sitting on top of a cement barrier.

“As a precaution the area was immediately evacuated and the streets closed for the safety of the public, until we could determine what it was we were dealing with,” says RCMP Cst. Kelly Brett. “Out of an abundance of caution, the scene was secured overnight until the device could be examined by specifically trained officers from the RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit.”

March 20th, just after 10:00 am, the RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) arrived on scene and confirmed the device was a modified grenade, and was no risk to public safety.

“Although the device was rendered safe, EDU collected the object and disposed of it in a safe and controlled manner, so it does not end up in the wrong hands again,” states Brett.

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The investigation into the incident is on-going and it is not clear when device was left or who it was left by. The RCMP would like to thank the community for their patience during the evacuations and road closures.

Anyone with any information in regards to his incident is asked to contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at 250-546-3028. Or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or leaving a tip online at www.nokscrimestoppers.com. You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. If you provide information that leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward.

UPDATE 12 pm

RCMP have issued an update on Twitter into their probe into a possible explosive device found in Armstrong Tuesday evening.

They say Smith Drive in Armstrong has been reopened after the RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit confirmed the device to be a improvised grenade that has been rendered safe.

Why the device was in that area is not known at this time.

“The intent of the IED being placed in that area and when is unknown at this time. Thank you for your patience,” says the tweet.

No official news release was issued by Mounties on the incident, just two tweets.

Police blocked off Smith Drive for several hours last night as they investigated, and nearby businesses were forced to close down.

UPDATE – Smith Rd in Armstrong is open. The RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit confirmed the device to be a improvised grenade that has been rendered safe. The intent of the IED being placed in that area and when is unknown at this time. Thank you for your patience.

— Vernon North Okanagan RCMP (@VernonNOkRCMP) March 20, 2019

UPDATE March 20

RCMP say there is no new information this morning on the possible explosive device discovered Tuesdasy night in Armstrong.

Constable Kelly Brett tells Beach Radio News the scene is still be secured and the Explosives Disposal Unit is en route.

March 19

Armstrong RCMP are investigating after an explosive device was found Tuesday evening.

Police have blocked off a portion of Smith Drive and they are asking everyone to stay clear from the scene.

Police incident in #Armstrongbc . A portion of Smith Drive is blocked by RCMP pic.twitter.com/hvamXSnG1A

— Vernon Matters (@VernonMattersca) March 20, 2019

The nearby Dairy Queen and Anchor Inn pub have been evacuated as a precaution.

Police are kicking everyone out of this DQ in #Armstrong . #RCMP remaining tight lipped @misstiff_94 pic.twitter.com/2A1938tA1p

— Vernon Matters (@VernonMattersca) March 20, 2019

Several reports indicate that an old style hand grenade was found on the street but police would not confirm those details.

RCMP on scene tell me they are investigating a possible explosive device . They are clearing people out of the area #ArmstrongBC #VernonBC pic.twitter.com/bxXOBHyZju

— Tiffany Goodwein (@CityNewsTiffany) March 20, 2019

A bomb squad is expected to arrive from out of town.

They are expected to arrive early Wednesday morning.